The national lockdown, to prevent the spread ofcoronavirus pandemic, is likely to be extended by at least a fortnight, it islearned.

A decision in this regard was reportedly reached during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's interaction with chief ministers on Saturday. However, the union government is yet to make an official announcement in this regard.

As India battles the COVID-19 crisis, the primeminister held a video conference with chief ministers primarily to take theirfeedback on whether the 21-day nationwide lockdown should be extended beyondApril 14 to stem the tide of infections.